Tooth stain is an important problem caused by a combination of many factors. The aging process, smoking, and excessive consumption of beverages such as coffee, tea, and red wine are the main external factors that affect the color of teeth. Inadequate oral hygiene, the use of certain medications, and genetic factors also cause changes in tooth color.
The therapeutic period begins with a dentist’s evaluation and is tailored to the patient’s requirements. Professional teeth cleaning, whitening procedures, and when necessary, aesthetic filling or coating treatments are applied to solve the problem. Teeth whitening procedures are performed with whitening gels that the dentist applies in a clinical setting or specially prepared for home use. Regular dental check ups and a good oral care routine are the most successful ways to maintain the natural whiteness of the teeth.
Causes of Teeth Darkening
Dark tooth staining occurs for many reasons. Nutrition and oral care habits are the main ones. Tobacco use can also cause this condition to develop over time. Below are the most common causes of black spots on teeth:
- Dark foods and drinks such as coffee, fruit juice, and berries
- Poor oral hygiene
- Smoking
- Sugary and acidic food consumption
- Regular use of certain medications
- Excessive intake of fluoride
Teeth darkening also inevitably occurs due to certain conditions. Tooth color and brightness are also considered a genetic factor. Therefore, not everyone can be expected to have snow-white teeth. In addition, dental trauma as a result of accidents and sports injuries are among these causes. On the other hand, aging and certain diseases can cause teeth to darken over time.
Are These Black Spots Harmful?
Black spots on teeth are harmful in many ways. They threaten the health of teeth and gums and cause a bad appearance. Unless the condition is treated, it can cause some infections. Therefore, teeth darkening is a serious problem that needs to be treated.
Causes of Darkening Teeth in Children
Parents want their children to have healthy mouths and teeth. However, some of them may have discolored teeth and dark spots. The reason for this is that baby teeth are supposed to be whiter than grown-up teeth. Causes of darkening teeth in children include
- Not brushing their teeth properly and regularly
- Consuming foods with a high acid content, such as oranges, lemons, and tangerines
- Capillary rupture as a result of dental trauma
- Health problems such as jaundice or hepatitis
As soon as a child’s teeth appear dark, it is necessary to take them to the dentist. Before the therapy, the dentist will perform a detailed examination to determine the cause of this condition. Since teeth whitening treatments are not recommended for children, special dental veneers are applied as a treatment. Once the appropriate method has been determined, it is possible to achieve whiter teeth.
Methods to Prevent Teeth Darkening
Tooth darkening is a preventable health problem, so there is no need to worry. Below are methods to prevent the formation of dark spots on the teeth:
- You should use a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Quit smoking.
- Limit caffeinated, colored and acidic drinks and foods.
- You need to keep brushing your teeth.
- Drink drinks such as soda, iced coffee or fruit juice through a straw.
- Make sure you gargle every day to maintain oral hygiene.
There are ways to prevent the appearance of dark tooth stains so that oral and dental health is protected, but some medications or diseases may make the formation of stains inevitable.
Professional Treatment Options
In answer to the question “How to get rid of blackstains on the teeth?“, it is possible to say that the best method is the treatment performed in a clinical environment. Home methods will not work, especially if more than one tooth surface is affected. Below is information about professional treatment options for tooth darkening:
- Teeth whitening: This method, performed by dentists, breaks down the stains and removes them from the tooth surfaces. It uses special substances such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. In-office bleaching takes about an hour, while at-home whitening treatments can take up to six whole weeks. The appropriate procedure is applied according to the level of dark color on the tooth surface.
- Porcelain veneers: It is a method used when whitening is not effective. Porcelain veneers, which are applied to pass dark colors, give the teeth an aesthetic appearance. The ceramic shells bonded to the front surface are thin but strong. Therefore, it camouflages the colored appearance for a long time.
- Dental bonding: This is a procedure used for deep dark tooth stains. This procedure hides them with a normal tooth-colored composite resin.
- Dental crowns: In some cases, cavities may appear in addition to dark tooth stains. At this stage, crowns are placed, which protect the teeth from any further dental damage. The procedure gives healthy and functional advantages. It also improves the appearance.
Thanks to the treatment methods given above, it is possible to prevent the blackening of your teeth.
Natural Solutions That Can Be Applied at Home
As an answer to the question “How to clean black tooth stains at home?” We can say that the issue is solved with some natural alternatives. Below are some methods you can apply at home for black tooth stains:
- Oil pulling from Ayurvedic practices is an effective method. This method reduces plaque and removes dark stains on tooth surfaces.
- Use toothpaste or mouthwash containing hydrogen peroxide.
- Using toothpaste containing activated charcoal is effective.
- You should brush your teeth by adding some baking soda to the toothpaste.
In conclusion, the effects of black tooth stain can be alleviated by many different methods; however, the best solution is to seek professional treatment. The dentist decides on the suitable method depending on the stain level and overall dental health. This will result in more aesthetic and healthy teeth. This leads to more self confidence and happiness in social and private life. It maintains overall dental health by reducing dental caries and halitosis.
